502
The Desire of Ages
seemed like consuming fire. With authority He commanded, “Take
these things hence.”
John 2:16
.
Three years before, the rulers of the temple had been ashamed of
their flight before the command of Jesus. They had since wondered at
their own fears, and their unquestioning obedience to a single humble
[592]
Man. They had felt that it was impossible for their undignified surren-
der to be repeated. Yet they were now more terrified than before, and
in greater haste to obey His command. There were none who dared
question His authority. Priests and traders fled from His presence,
driving their cattle before them.
On the way from the temple they were met by a throng who came
with their sick inquiring for the Great Healer. The report given by
the fleeing people caused some of these to turn back. They feared to
meet One so powerful, whose very look had driven the priests and
rulers from His presence. But a large number pressed through the
hurrying crowd, eager to reach Him who was their only hope. When
the multitude fled from the temple, many had remained behind. These
were now joined by the newcomers. Again the temple court was filled
by the sick and the dying, and once more Jesus ministered to them.
After a season the priests and rulers ventured back to the temple.
When the panic had abated, they were seized with anxiety to know
what would be the next movement of Jesus. They expected Him to
take the throne of David. Quietly returning to the temple, they heard
the voices of men, women, and children praising God. Upon entering,
they stood transfixed before the wonderful scene. They saw the sick
healed, the blind restored to sight, and deaf receive their hearing, and
the crippled leap for joy. The children were foremost in the rejoicing.
Jesus had healed their maladies; He had clasped them in His arms,
received their kisses of grateful affection, and some of them had fallen
asleep upon His breast as He was teaching the people. Now with glad
voices the children sounded His praise. They repeated the hosannas
of the day before, and waved palm branches triumphantly before the
Saviour. The temple echoed and re-echoed with their acclamations,
“Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord!” “Behold, thy
King cometh unto thee; He is just, and having salvation!”
Psalm
118:26
;
Zechariah 9:9
. “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
The sound of these happy, unrestrained voices was an offense
to the rulers of the temple. They set about putting a stop to such